Security Shutters for Windows

Samson can supply many different types of security shutters at almost any size and many are suited far more to windows than doorways or other apertures.
When a shutter is required over a window it can be for so many different reasons depending is it is for a domestic application or a commercial or retail environment.
One of the first considerations is making sure the shutter doesn not affect the window operation and has sufficient safety or control methods in place to avoid damage or injury from operation with the window not completely closed. A simple and logical risk assessment should identify any potential issues with any window and also identify whether a manual override system is required or not in case of any power failures or issues in the future.

Domestic Security Shutters for Windows

When a roller shutter is specified for a window on a home it can be for 2 different reasons - One obviously is security but the other is quite often for insulation and light control. In many Northern European countries the insulated double skinned curtain type shutters are used extensively rather than fabric curtains to provide shade in the heat, shut out cold in the winter and also to control the amount of light in a room. The Secueroshield 150 is a good example of this type of shutter and of course it still does provide a level of security as well.
The Seceuroshiled 150 has optional perforations in the joining sections between each slat so if the curtain is not quite closed fully you have an amount of light coming through although the majority of heat would be prevented, this is ideal in the hottest summer months to keep a room cooler.

For the highest levels of actual security on windows in your home you would look at the Seceuroshield 3801 or the SeceuroShield 60 on larger apertures. The 3801 is an extruded aluminium slat shutter curtain providing high levels of security through the slat strength and the '01' suffix means the shutter has been tested and approved by the LPCB and in this case is a level 1 security product. Samson do offer other higher rated security shutters for many other applications in commercial and retail.

Commercial Security Shutters for Windows

In the retail and commercial sector many large windows are used, expecially in high street shops and shopping centres. Larger windows can be accomodated by either splitting the shutters into 2 or 3 units or using a larger slat capable of producing a far larger security shutter. Larger security shutters will always be electrically operated for convenience but also because the manual operation would be too difficult and heavy. Safety is of paramount inportance with large roller shutters used in public places. It must be impossible for a shutter to be closed onto any obstacle so clear vision is required for the shutter operative at all times which usually means a 'hold to run' key switch operation in very close vicinity to the shutter.

Many retail shops require the security to be unobtrusive and ensure that even when closed there is vision through to see the shop window and inside the shop. The rise in the use of high vision security shutters has been consistent, and whether it is using perforated slats, punched slats or the very traditional tube and link type shutters, Samson have an option to provide varying levels of vision capability with the felxibility to combine see through and solid slats in the same shutter when required.
The punched section type method is probably the most popular for the bext combination of vision and security and with this type of shutter it is also possible to have the open punched section closed by the use of a polycarbonate insert. This does not affect the vision evels but will prevent weather ingress and the possibility of any items passing through the shutter and fingers getting potentially trapped. 

Installation

Nearly all window security shutters are installed to the outside of the window opening and this is referred to as an 'external face fit' installation. This position obviously gives maximum protection to a window from vandalism, break in attempts and also protects from the elements. This external fitting position however means careful thought has to be given to the operation method as this is more often than not required from inside the building, certainly in the case of a multi window installation or when windows are not on the groud floor of a building.. If the shutter is over a window and doorway at ground level, such as most retail shops, the operation will nearly always be from the outside when opening or closing the shutter and this means an easy user controlled method in close proximity at all times.

If the shutter is to be controlled from inside the building, either with a manual or electric operation, then the mechanics for manual operation or the cabling for the motor and controls have to get from outside to inside to enable operation. A drive mechanism for any manual or electric roller shutter will always be positioned on the left or right hand side and this is where the control cables, winding or lifting mechanism will also be positioned and accessed from inside.

Operation Methods

These shutters can be manual or electric operated with a whole choice of operation control methods. The externally fitted security shutter is normally controlled from inside the window it is fitted to and this would be a rod and crank or a belt operation.

Swivel or Geared Belt roller shutters can be operated using a belt system from inside the building lifting and lowering the shutter curtain. Larger size shutters are operated by using a geared crank handle. Both these methods have their size limits before a motor drive is required.
Rod Crank shutters are operated using a geared rod crank winding handle from inside the building.
Spring Loaded shutters are used for external operation which is useful for exit doors or bar and servery counters. A lock can be incorporated into the bottom slat if required.
The secure side of the lock barrel can be specified when ordering to be on the side of the hood or the opposite side.
Electric Motor & Switch operation is best for larger shutters but can also be used on smaller or multi shutter installations. The electric motor is fitted inside the shutter axle and requires a 3 amp fuse and 240V supply. Operation is usually by rocker switch, key switch or remote control, but other controls methods are available including timers. In the event of a power supply failure a manual override can be utilised to operate from inside. Where required a manual override can also be engaged through the outside of an externally fitted shutter box. For this option a lockable override cover is recommended to maximise security.
Multi-shutter installations can also be operated from a central or group of switches inside a building.